Page 279 of 493

Without Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to
the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once
the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, repeat the ªNormal Startingº or ªEx-
treme Cold Weatherº procedures.
With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5
Page 280 of 493
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three-wire extension cord.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) are
expected to last for several days.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 281 of 493

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift into ªPº (Park) only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
²Shift into or out of ªRº (Reverse) only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
²Do not shift from ªRº (Reverse), ªPº (Park), or ªNº
(Neutral) into any forward gear when the engine is
above idle speed.
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº
(Park) or ªNº (Neutral) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in ªRº (Reverse). You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Shift Lock Manual Override Ð If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a shift lock manual
override. The manual override may be used in the event
that the shift lever should fail to move from ªPº (Park)
with the key in the ON position and the brake pedal
depressed. To operate the shift lock manual override,
perform the following steps:
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5
Page 282 of 493
1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Using a flat blade screwdriver, carefully remove the
shift lock manual override cover, which is located on the
PRNDL bezel.
3. Depress and maintain firm pressure on the brake
pedal.
4. Using the screwdriver, reach into the manual override
opening. Press and hold the shift lock lever down.
5. Move the shift lever into the ªNº (Neutral) position.
6. The vehicle may then be started in ªNº (Neutral).
Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized
dealer, if the shift lock manual override has been used.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 283 of 493
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of ªPº (Park) and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. Always depress thebrake pedal first,before
moving the gear selector out of ªPº (Park).
4±Speed Automatic Transmission
Shifting from ªDº (Drive) to ªPº (Park) or ªRº (Reverse)
(or from ªPº or ªRº to ªDº) should be done only after the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake when moving the
selector lever between these gears.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from ªPº (Park)
or ªNº (Neutral) position into another gear range.
Automatic Shift Controls
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5
Page 284 of 493

ªPº (Park)
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. Never use ªPº (Park) while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
and then place the selector in ªPº (Park) position.
WARNING!
Never use ªPº (Park) position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº
(Park) or ªNº (Neutral) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in ªRº (Reverse). You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
ªRº (Reverse)
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 286 of 493

NOTE:
²If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures,
the transmission may not shift into Overdrive. It will
however, automatically select the most desirable gear
for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
²If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desir-
able gear for operation at this temperature. If the
transmission temperature becomes hot enough, the
ªTransmission Temperature Warning Lightº may illu-
minate, and the transmission may downshift out of
Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After a
cool down, the transmission will resume normal op-
eration.The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use ªTOW/HAULº Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the ªTOW/HAULº button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in ªTOW/HAULº mode, the transmission will
shift to 3rd gear.
NOTE:ªTOW/HAULº mode locks out Overdrive.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 288 of 493

A Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer
for service without damaging the transmission. To reset
the transmission, perform the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the ªPº (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine; be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, and then restart the
engine.
5. Move the selector lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists, ªPº
(Park), ªRº (Reverse), and ªNº (Neutral) will continue to
operate. Only Second gear range will operate in the ªDº
(Drive) position. Have the transmission checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.MANUAL TRANSMISSION Ð IF EQUIPPED
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission are
equipped with a clutch interlock safety feature. The
clutch pedal must be fully depressed to allow cranking of
the engine.
To enhance off-road performance, 4-wheel drive models
equipped with a manual transmission will start with or
without pressing the clutch pedal when in 4-wheel drive
low range. The 4 LOW indicator light will illuminate
when the transfer case is in 4-wheel drive low range.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING